A well-designed visitor center exhibit experience can transform a simple visit into a memorable adventure.
Visitor centers are places for exploration, discovery, and lifelong learning. To make that experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, it’s important to consider essential elements, such as the overall ambience, navigability, and appeal of displays and exhibits.
In this article, we will share six principles to enhance your visitor center exhibit experience.
1. Create a welcoming reception.
As the formal point of entry, the reception area should be obvious and easy to find upon arrival. It might be a simple welcome desk or an elaborate motif with local art and cultural displays. This area should be operated by someone qualified to answer questions guests may have when they arrive and who can interact with visitors in an engaging manner. To enhance the welcoming atmosphere, effective signage is essential. Clear, visually appealing signs can guide guests to the reception area and provide information about services and facilities. Additionally, branding opportunities can further strengthen the reception’s impact. A prominent 3D logo or other dimensional branding elements can create a focal point, reinforcing your organization’s identity. These tactile features not only draw attention but also invite guests to engage more deeply with the brand. Thoughtful integration of these elements can transform the reception area into a vibrant, memorable introduction to your facility, ensuring visitors feel welcomed and informed from the moment they arrive.
2. Set the stage for exploration.
Orientation provides guests with an understanding of the opportunities available to help plan their visit. It’s a critical piece of the overall visitor center experience because it lays the groundwork for informed exploration. In a larger visitor center, orientation is often multifaceted. It may include maps, interactive touch screens, orientation films, and access to staff for specific questions. In smaller facilities, orientation may involve a simple welcome packet and guided tours to highlight key features and offerings.
3. Employ social proof.
Social proof involves showing visitors what other people of similar demographics have enjoyed when at your destination. Much like a testimonial, it’s a visual depiction that instantly attracts people, making them want to know more about the location and its offerings. One effective way to achieve this is through vibrant wall murals that showcase memorable experiences or highlight popular attractions. These large-scale artworks can create an immersive environment, drawing visitors in and sparking their curiosity. Incorporating testimonial quotes within these murals can further enhance their impact, showcasing must-see places that past visitors rave about. Highlighting popular activities in this way not only creates excitement but also encourages new guests to engage and explore what your destination has to offer.
4. Give a nod to the great outdoors.
Nature exhibits can serve many purposes. They can be a call to conservation, an experiential education, or an invitation to explore hidden outdoor wonders. Hand-painted murals, fabricated plants, dioramas, sculptures, and other custom creations can bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor exploration. The talented artisans at Adler Display will work with you to best capture the natural environment of your site while enchanting visitors with hands-on learning and fun, interactive exhibits.
5. Encourage engagement.
Find ways to get people to stop and explore what you have to offer. For instance, utilizing strategically placed signage with local content, events, and information will grab the attention of any visitor. Think about ways to connect with your guests, too. For example, you might incorporate interactive touchpoints into displays, such as “The Top Five Things to Do” at your destination, encouraging visitors to actively participate in their experience.
6. Create a variety of personalized experiences.
Allowing people to connect and explore in the way they prefer is essential to the success of any visitor-based organization. You might incorporate kiosks so guests can readily access available tickets and pertinent videos to increase their engagement. Some folks may want to use their phones, so offer ways to access special offers just for visitors. Don’t forget to include traditional exhibits, displays, and models, too. Many visitors enjoy engaging with staff and participating in live demonstrations or talks that provide connection as well as information.
Visitor centers are often people’s first exposure to everything a location or attraction has to offer. Adler Display combines innovative design, quality craftsmanship, and superior graphics to consistently deliver an informative and engaging visitor center exhibit experience. Please contact our helpful team today to learn more.
About Adler Display: For over 85 years, Adler Display has been one of the best-kept secrets behind so many businesses looking their best. Designing and producing a wide variety of high-quality recognition displays, trade show displays, signage and exhibits, lobby and corporate interiors, and historical timelines, Adler’s expert team includes consultants, designers, project managers, and fabricators. Working from a 17,000-square-foot facility in Baltimore that includes a precision woodworking shop, Adler Display handles printing, construction, and finishing on site. Learn how to achieve your imaging goals and make your business look amazing at: www.AdlerDisplay.com.